Thank you to all of you who followed the first chapter of this new story. English isn't my first language so apologies if sometimes you can fin grammar or spelling mistakes. I'm doing my best ;)
"You look exquisite, Darling".
He kisses me on the side of my jaw, still gripping the steering wheel, waiting for the red light to switch.
"it's just my usual black dress, you know. Nothing fancier than what I'm used to wear when we're going out," I explain, patting his thigh.
Maybe I put more efforts in my make up and my clothes tonight. I always feel stressed when I meet my husband's coworkers. I never feel confident in the way I look, I always feel too fat or not feminine enough to fit into this world. I was a chubby teenager and often got mocked for that; sadly it left traces. So whenever I have to meet someone new, for work or anything else, I try to glamour up a bit, with extra accessories or make up, or sexier clothes that my usual tops and jeans, just to feel a bit better.
So here I am tonight, all pampered, red lips and smokey eyes, curly brown hair down my back, clad in that short black dress and leather jacket. But deep inside me, I'm still that chubby teenager with absolutely no style and no confidence.
Soon, he parks in front of "Bella Italia". That's our favourite restaurant and I'm not surprised he decided to book a table there. He excitedly opens my car door and helps me out, laughing lightly. "I'm always amazed you keep on wearing heels Darling, when we're out. I know how much of a death trap it is for you."
The pain as I slightly sprain my ankle walking towards the entrance reminds me at the same time how much I hate wearing that kind of shoes, but my husband's appreciative eyes settling on my body are enough to convince me that even a clumsy girl needs to wear heels from time to time.
Our favourite waiter, a student called Bree greets us.
"Welcome back to Bella Italia! We're almost full tonight. Did you book a table?"
"Yeah, party of 4 for Summit." He always gives the name of his company whenever we meet someone from his professional circle. And 4? I thought they had two kids? Maybe they're too young to be there tonight.
"They didn't bring their children?" I ask, following Bree to the back of the restaurant.
"He told me that he and Tanya have a babysitter, so that they can regularly enjoy date nights together. I guess it's the same tonight." He shrugs, grabbing my hand as we almost reach our table where two people are waiting for us. I can see only their back; the woman has long golden blonde hair and she seems to sip a glass of white wine, while her husband, arm around the back of her chair, apparently whispers sweet nothings in her ear.
"It's gonna be okay, you'll see, he's an amazing person and I'm sure his wife is the same. Don't be shy."
Tanya is the first to spot us, turning back. She immediately holds out her hand, and while shaking it, I can't help gaping at her beauty. She's small but her legs look immensely long, thanks to the high heels and short dress she wears. Blonde hair, blue eyes, white teeth, she's perfect.
She smiles. "Hey I'm Tanya, nice to finally meet you both."
"Nice to meet you too, I must admit I was curious to finally see who captures my husband's body and mind almost every night for work."
We both laugh, while my husband hugs his mysterious friend behind us. Curious isn't strong enough to express how I feel. All I can see for now is a tall body, lean but with broad shoulders, clad in a pair of jeans and a black shirt, and a mass of unruly copper brown hair. The complete opposite of my partner, a bit on the short side but muscular, always dressed in a suit, with his immaculate blonde haircut.
"Bella? let me introduce you to Ed."
I didn't expect to be completely speechless in front of that man's beauty when he finally shows me his face.
"Ed, that's my beautiful wife, Bella"
What I am not ready for either is to face a ghost of my past, next to Mike.
Edward Cullen.